Get the latest updates on Chicago's new casino project. Discover its location, proposed amenities, expected opening date, and economic impact on the city.

Chicago's Newest Entertainment Hub Bally’s Casino Grand Opening

For an optimal visit to the city's latest entertainment complex, plan your arrival for a weekday afternoon, specifically between 2 PM and 5 PM. This timeframe allows you to bypass the peak crowds that gather during evenings and weekends, ensuring easier access to the 3,400 slot machines and 173 table games. Securing a spot at a high-demand game like blackjack or craps becomes significantly more manageable. Consider using the Grand Avenue entrance for quicker access from the valet service, which is a practical alternative to navigating the multi-level parking structure during busier hours.

The establishment's dining options offer distinct experiences tailored to different schedules. For a quick and satisfying meal without straying far from the gaming floor, the food hall presents several walk-up counters. However, for a more refined culinary experience, making a reservation at one of the signature restaurants at least 48 hours in advance is strongly recommended, especially for weekend dining. The steakhouse, in particular, requires bookings well ahead of time. This preparation ensures you can enjoy a leisurely meal without the stress of long wait times.

Beyond the gaming floor, the entertainment venue at 777 W. Chicago Ave. features a 3,000-seat theater. Check the performance schedule before your visit, as many headline acts sell out weeks prior. Purchasing tickets online through the official portal is the most direct method. For those seeking a quieter atmosphere, the riverfront promenade offers a scenic respite. Accessing this area from the west side of the building provides excellent views of the city's skyline, creating a perfect backdrop for a break from the high-energy environment inside.

Navigating the New Bally's Chicago Casino Experience

Reserve your parking spot online via the Medinah Temple's official portal at least 24 hours in advance to secure the early-bird rate of $25 for the first three hours. On-site payment options start at $50 for the same duration. The garage entrance is located at 600 N Wabash Ave, with direct, weather-protected access to the gaming floor. For public transit users, the Grand station on the CTA Red Line is a two-minute walk, situated just one block east.

Entry and Bally Rewards

Present a valid government-issued photo ID upon entry; international passports are accepted. All guests must be 21 or older. Immediately locate a Bally Rewards desk near the main entrance to sign up for the loyalty program. Registration is free and takes approximately five minutes. Your physical card provides instant access to promotional credits. You can start earning points right away:

• 1 point per $5 played on slot machines.
• 1 point per $10 played on video poker.
• Points on table games are rated based on game type, average bet, and duration of play.

Gaming Floor Layout

The temporary facility's gaming area is spread across three levels. The main floor houses the majority of the 750 slot machines and the main table game pits. A smaller, quieter selection of slots and electronic games is available on the lower level. High-limit slots and tables are in a designated, roped-off section on the second floor, requiring a minimum bet of $100 for blackjack and baccarat. Digital directories are positioned at the escalators on each floor, displaying real-time information on table minimums.

Dining and Beverage Service

Complimentary soft drinks, water, and coffee are available at self-service stations located at the rear of the main and lower gaming floors. Cocktail servers circulate throughout all gaming areas. For a meal, consider these options inside the establishment:

1. The Wabash Cafe: Offers quick-service items like sandwiches and salads. Expect to pay around $15-$20 per person. Open 24/7.
2. Medinah Bistro: A sit-down restaurant with an American-style menu. Main courses range from $28 to $50. Reservations are recommended on weekends and can be made through their OpenTable page.
3. Kitchen 888: Specializes in Asian cuisine, including dim sum and noodle dishes. Located on the second level. Entrees average $25.

Bally Rewards points can be redeemed for food and beverage purchases at a rate of 200 points to $1. Simply present your card to the cashier or server.

Cashing Out and Security

Cashier cages are located on the main floor near the Wabash Avenue entrance and on the second floor within the high-limit area.  https://1xbet-casino.it.com  are positioned throughout all three levels for cashing out slot machine vouchers without waiting in line. For payouts exceeding $5,000, you will be escorted to a private area at the main cage to complete the necessary tax paperwork. Security personnel are stationed at all exits and roam the floors; they can assist with everything from locating a lost item to providing an escort to the parking garage.

How to Get to the Temporary Casino and Where to Park

The temporary gaming establishment is located at 600 N. Wabash Avenue, within the Medinah Temple building in River North. For public transit, take the CTA Red Line to the Grand station, which is a two-block walk from the venue. The CTA Brown and Purple Lines stop at Merchandise Mart, approximately a 10-minute walk away. Several bus routes, including the #22 Clark, #36 Broadway, and #65 Grand, have stops within a five-minute walk.

For visitors arriving by car, validated parking is available at two nearby garages. The first is located at 50 E. Ohio Street and the second at 10 E. Grand Avenue. To receive the discounted rate of $10 for up to six hours, you must get your parking ticket validated inside the entertainment complex. Without validation, standard garage rates apply, which can exceed $50 for a similar duration. Valet parking is not offered at the temporary site. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have a designated drop-off and pick-up zone on Wabash Avenue directly in front of the main entrance to streamline access.

Understanding the Table Game Minimums and Slot Machine Options

Expect table minimums for Blackjack and Baccarat to start at $25 during weekday afternoons, rising to $50 or $100 during evenings and weekends. Craps tables will likely offer a $15 minimum during off-peak hours, with bets increasing to $25 and higher after 6 PM. For Roulette, standard inside/outside bets should begin at $15. High-limit rooms will feature table minimums starting at $300 for Blackjack and going up to $1,000. Poker room stakes for No-Limit Hold'em will likely be set at $1/$3 and $2/$5 for the main floor, with Pot-Limit Omaha games at similar levels. Seek out electronic table games for lower entry points; digital Roulette and Blackjack terminals often permit wagers as low as $5 per hand or spin.

The gaming floor will showcase over 3,000 slot machines. Look for a significant number of high-volatility slots from manufacturers like Aristocrat, including their "Dragon Link" and "Lightning Link" series, with denominations ranging from $0.01 to $5.00 per line. IGT's popular "Wheel of Fortune" and "Megabucks" progressive jackpot machines will be prominently featured, often requiring max bets for jackpot eligibility. Video poker enthusiasts will find "Game King" multi-game units offering Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Double Double Bonus Poker with pay tables typically around 98% return-to-player (RTP) for quarter and dollar denominations. The establishment will dedicate specific sections to high-limit slots, where spin costs can range from $25 to $500.

Joining the Bally's Rewards Program: Steps and Player Benefits

To join the Bally's Rewards program, present a valid government-issued photo ID at the Player's Club desk within the Bally's temporary gaming establishment at Medinah Temple. The enrollment process typically takes less than five minutes. You will receive your physical rewards card immediately upon completion.

Step-by-Step Enrollment:

1. Visit the Player's Club desk located on the gaming floor.
2. Provide your valid photo identification (e.g., driver's license, passport).
3. Supply your contact details, including a current email address and phone number, for account verification and exclusive offer notifications.
4. Receive your Bally's Rewards card and set a personal identification number (PIN) for security.

Player Benefits and Tier Progression:

Accumulate Tier Points by using your card during play. Slot machine gameplay earns one Tier Point for every $10 wagered. Video poker requires $20 per point. Table game point accumulation varies based on game type, average bet, and duration of play.

• Pro Level (0 – 3,999 Tier Points): Initial status grants access to members-only promotions, birthday offers, and the ability to convert Bally Bucks into Free Slot Play. Bally Bucks are earned separately from Tier Points and function as the program's currency.
• Star Level (4,000 – 14,999 Tier Points): Qualify for complimentary valet and self-parking at the downtown entertainment complex. Receive priority service at the Player's Club and invitations to exclusive events. A 10% discount is applied at select dining venues.
• Superstar Level (15,000+ Tier Points): Gain access to a dedicated VIP host for personalized service. Benefit from priority restaurant reservations and complimentary cruise offers with partner cruise lines. This tier includes a 15% discount on cash purchases at designated retail shops and restaurants.
• Legend Level (Invitation Only): The highest tier offers bespoke rewards, including annual travel packages, complimentary suite upgrades at Bally's properties nationwide, and exclusive access to high-limit gaming areas. Members receive the highest level of personalized attention from the VIP services team.

Points earned at the Windy City location are redeemable at more than 15 Bally's destinations across the United States. Check your point balance and current offers at any promotional kiosk on the floor or by logging into your account via the Bally's mobile application. Bally Bucks expire after 13 months of account inactivity, while Tier Status is evaluated annually.